Barcelona vs Leganes: Messi saves Barca with last minute penalty

What should have been a easy night for Barcelona almost turned in to a nightmare. In its 23rd La Liga match Barcelona faced a much lowered ranked Leganes. Thanks to Messi’s 89th minute penalty the nightmare week ended for Barcelona. Barcelona was already reeling from a defeat. Paris Saint-Germain embarrassed Barcelona in the Champions league tie 4-0. Barcelona are placed second in the La Liga table. They trail table toppers Real Madrid by a point. Barcelona’s forward trio Neymar Jr, Messi and Suarez failed to impress against PSG and were looking for redemption.

Barcelona jumped to a early lead. Messi punched in an easy cross by Suarez. In the 4th minute of the game the Barca’s front trio showed just how dangerous they are. Neymar sent a beautiful pass down the left side to a wide open Suarez. Suarez had no trouble collecting the ball. He then lofted the ball easily inside the box right into Messi’s foot. Messi made no mistake and punched it right into the net.

Leganes right winger Nabil El Zhar troubled Barcelona defense. He came very close to scoring twice in the first half had it not been for Ter Stegen guarding the Barcelona goal.

first half stats for Barcelona vs Leganes

Leganes continued attacking the Barcelona defense with some well placed long balls. The only problem was their inability to finish. Finally in the 70th minute Leganes managed to strip Sergio Roberto of the ball just outside the box. Unnai Lopez made no mistake and sent the ball whistling past Ter Stegen.

Leganes El Zhar was most active in Barcelona vs Leganes.

Neymar continued his efforts at the other end to make something happen. Finally in the 88th minute Leganes skipper Mantovani takes down Neymar in the box gifting Barcelona a penalty. Messi made no mistake and slammed it into the net. Leganes nearly gave Barcelona a heart attack with a corner in the injury time. El Zhar received the ball just outside the box. Sadly for the Leganes fans he sent it wide of the goal, Thus sealing the game in Barcelona’s favour.

Barcelona managed to scrape past Leganes but did not look dominating at all. The front trio looked lacklustre while the defense looked lost without Pique. Barcelona will need to pull it together if they really want to the La liga.